Stars & Stripes Extend Their Lead and Isabelle Cook Delivers Double Points in Thrilling Blenheim Challenge Cross Country.
Rising Lions fight back on Jay Hambly’s track, with an additional £20,000 Prize fund added to the Blenheim Challenge, £5,000 at stake in each head-to-head
The Stars & Stripes head into tomorrow’s Show Jumping with their lead firmly established, following a thrilling day of cross country at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.
Jay Hambly’s track provided a test for both teams, with speed, accuracy and technical precision all required as the battles unfolded. While the Stars & Stripes strengthened their position on the scoreboard, the Rising Lions fought back with a series of strong performances, including double points from their Joker, Isabelle Cook.
Australia’s Oliver Barrett was first out for the Stars & Stripes, producing a clear round with 19.2 time to add, before waiting to see how his opponent, Rising Lion Barnie Brotherton, would fare.
Brotherton picked up an unfortunate 20 penalties at fence eight before retiring, meaning Barrett was awarded a point in the head-to-head, to bring the Stars & Stripes tally to 6-2.
“Briar was jumping really super, he was pretty keen. I was really happy with how he jumped. It’s pretty intense out there, it’s a proper 4* Long and I’m happy we came home clear, a little bit frustrated about the time penalties but that’s how it is.”
Second out of the start box was Rising Lion Josh Levett aboard Huberthus AC. Levett picked up 20 penalties at fence 18, leaving a tense wait for the final USA rider Grace Taylor to decide the fate of the point. Taylor delivered when it mattered, jumping clear with 17.6 time penalties aboard her own Bandito Van Polderzicht, securing another point for the Stars & Stripes.
“He’s really, really scopey. He’s very willing and very brave, he would have learnt a lot from that experience and he really enjoyed himself. I’m really pleased I was able to contribute in this phase for the team.”
Jess Rimmer was second into the start box for the home nation, producing a classy clear with 44.4 time to add, but once again the point would be decided by her opponent.
“Having the support for the Rising Lions is so special. I have such a special, incredibly genuine horse. There’s been such a great team spirit and such a special atmosphere.”
USA’s Olivia Dutton later came home clear with 13.6 time, taking the point and bringing the Stars & Stripes’ total to an impressive 8 points.
The pressure was well and truly on Rising Lions’ Joker Isabelle Cook, who knew that a clear round would be crucial in securing the maximum points available to her team. Cook rose to the occasion, producing a clear round and adding just 11.2 penalties to her score, a significant achievement on a course where the clock was proving tight across the board. Her Joker status meant the result was worth double points, giving the Rising Lions a valuable boost on the scoreboard.
He was amazing, he’s such a good cross country horse, he loves it out there and he really proved that today, he’s so honest, he helps me out when he needs to. He was really, really good.”
As throughout the day, the head-to-head format meant she would have to wait for her opponent to determine the outcome. USA’s Tommy Greengard was her opponent, and although he too came home clear, his 17.6 time penalties meant the point went to the Rising Lions, giving the home nation its first points of the day.
After two days of competition, the Blenheim Challenge now heads into its final phase, with the final pairings announced ahead of tomorrow’s Show Jumping. With a joker also placed on Stars & Stripes’ Olivia Dutton, all eyes will be on both teams as they complete the final phase and the remaining points are decided.
To add to the excitement, there is now even more at stake in tomorrow’s Show Jumping, with an additional £20,000 prize fund added to the Blenheim Challenge. Each head-to-head is worth £5,000, with the money shared between the rider and their groom if they win their match. Should a head-to-head be drawn, the £5,000 will instead be split between both riders and their respective grooms.
However, for the rider drawn against Barnie Brotherton following his retirement from the competition, the prize is an all-or-nothing opportunity. With no opponent able to complete the head-to-head, a clear round inside the time will be enough to secure the full £5,000 prize, while anything less means walking away empty-handed. With every match now carrying both team points and a share of the additional prize fund, tomorrow’s Show Jumping promises another intriguing conclusion to the Blenheim Challenge.
Blenheim Challenge Cross Country Draw
Tommy Greengard v Jess Rimmer
Grace Taylor v Isabelle Cook
Olivia Dutton v Josh Levett
Oliver Barrett v Barnie Brotherton
The current Blenheim Challenge score is:
Stars & Stripes: 8
Rising Lions: 4